SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 88

The executive boardroom of Kane Industries fell silent as Victoria

Kane entered, Camille following close behind. Ten pairs of eyes tracked their movement, calculating and wary. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows did nothing to warm the atmosphere.

Victoria

took her place at the head of the table. Camille sat to her right, feeling the weight of scrutiny press down on her shoulders. She had dressed with particular care that morning-

a structured navy suit, minimal jewelry, hair pulled back severely. The outfit of a serious businesswoman, not an unstable heiress.

James Whitley, the longest-

serving board member, cleared his throat. "Thank you for meeting on such short notice. Given the extraordinary circumstances, we felt immediate discussion was necessary." Victoria's face remained impassive. "The circumstances being?"

"Don't play games, Victoria," snapped Eleanor Price from across the table. The former federal judge had always maintained professional distance. Today, that distance had turned to frost. "Our stock dropped tw two percent before trading was halted. The market reopens in three hours. We need answers now."

"The allegations against Camille are false," Victoria said, her voice measured but firm. "A coordinated attack designed to damage Kane

Industries through character assassination."

"That may be," said Michael Chen, the soft-

spoken CFO. "But market perception is

our current reality. Investors are fleeing. Partners are calling with concerns. Three major clients have already requested meetings to discuss' continuity of leadership."

"The Phoenix Grid launch is two weeks away," added Diane Rodriguez. "We've invested billions. If confidence in the technology collapses along with confidence in." She hesitated, eyes sliding to Camille. "In lea Camille kept her expression neutral. She had prepared for this, rehearsed with Victoria until dawn. Show strength, Show control. Any display of emotion

would only reinforce the narrative they were fighting against.

"The Phoenix Grid technology is sound," Camille said, speaking for the first time. "The engineering team has verified every aspect. We have redundant testing protocols precisely to prevent any single point of fa Whitley's eyes narrowed. "That's not the concern, Ms. Kane, The concern is whether your... personal situation has

compromised your judgment regarding the project."

"My personal situation?" Camille felt her control slip slightly. "You mean the lies being spread about me?" "Regarding those allegations," said Eleanor, shuffling papers. "These supposed medical records..." "Are fabricated," Victoria cut in. "Obviously."

"Are they? Because their specificity is concerning." Eleanor read from a document. "Treatment for paranoid delusions at age sixteen. Hospitalization following a violent episode during college. Ongoing therapy f "False claims," Victoria said, her knuckles whitening around her pen..

"Then why haven't you sued for defamation?" This from Thomas Gordon, the newest board member. "The company's standard response to false reporting has always been immediate legal action." Victoria's eyes flashed. "We are gathering evidence on the source of these fabrications before filing. Strategic patience is not inaction."

"What about the interview with Rose Lewis?" Diane pressed. "She made specific claims about witnessing unstable behavior. And now the parents are scheduled to speak tomorrow."

Camille felt the blood drain from her face. She hadn't known about her parents' interview until this moment.

a proven liar," Victoria said flatly. "The woman orchestrated

sentiment analysis shows 68% of

we run it based on market value and shareholder confidence," Eleanor countered. "Both of which

of the air conditioning, the muted sounds of the city

exactly are you suggesting?" Victoria finally asked, though her tightness around

believes it would be in the company's best interest if Camille stepped back from her role until this situation resolves." "Steps back?" Victoria's voice remained calm, but Camille saw the tiny muscle jump in

herself from

clarified. "No Phoenix Grid launch appearance. No investor meetings. No press.

refuse this

a suggestion," Eleanor said coldly. "It's a decision.

held a vote without the

provision, section

company valuation by more than fifteen percent, the board may convene without full executive presence."

percent," Gordon corrected. "Significant, but not

this company through

by over six hundred percent during my tenure. And

attempted. "It's business. The market

entirely personal," Victoria interrupted "This entire situation stems

Camille, and by extension, against

Eleanor said, "the damage is real. We

weight of their judgment. She had prepared to fight external

opinion. She hadn't expected

surprising herself with her steady voice.

snapped toward her, a flash of something crossing her

Camille continued, "I'm willing to do so.

in a position to make conditions," Gordon

fixed him with a stare that made him flinch. "My condition is that I remain fully involved with Phoenix Grid development, even if not publicly. The project needs my oversight to succeed." Whitley nodded slowly. "That seems

Victoria began, a

a sensible compromise,

silently pleading with her to

Victoria faced the board again. "Very well Camille will step back from public

through her.

full confidence in her

statement should focus on Kane Industries' stability,

"Those are my termé

terms," Victoria cut her off. "Take them or call for a confidence vote on every person

threat hung

a tense silence. "PR will draft something for

a company to run. Despite your best efforts to

members filed out, only James Whitley paused at the door. "Victoria, this isn't personal. We're

back into her chair,

it feels like when the knives come from